Cvent

Philadelphia hotels, like most others in the nation, have been hit hard by the struggling economy. Could the Phillies World Series showdown provide some relief?

Recent year-to-date numbers have shown nothing but decreases for Center City hotels, including a four percent drop in hotel occupancy for the first nine months of 2009, a 12.8 percent drop in average daily rate, and a 16.3 percent drop in revenue per available room, according to Smith Travel Research. In the nine-county metropolitan region, occupancy dropped seven percent; ADR, 10 percent; and RevPAR, 16.3 percent.

However, the East Coast World Series could offer some much-needed assistance, according to industry professionals.

"We've already seen an increase in bookings, and due to the close proximity to New York, as well as Philly being a leisure destination for New Yorkers," said Paul Schwartz, general manager of the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, told the Philadelphia Inquirer last week.

Larry Needle of the Philadelphia Sports Congress estimated that the extended postseason run by the Phillies will generate over $17 million in direct spending by visiting fans, media, MLB partners, etc. The World Series could generate up to $3 million in direct revenue from taxes.